Introduction:
The mission of The Sweethearts Foundation is to make a positive impact on the lives of disabled individuals in South Africa by providing them with wheelchairs. Through the support of generous donors, recycling efforts, and spreading awareness, the foundation aims to improve the mobility, independence, and overall well-being of disabled South Africans. This project report highlights the progress made in changing lives and creating a more inclusive society.
Recycling for Wheelchairs:
The foundation has embarked on a heart-warming initiative to recycle plastic bottle tops and bread tags, turning them into opportunities for disabled individuals. By generating revenue through recycling, The Sweethearts Foundation is able to purchase wheelchairs for those in need. With the help of compassionate individuals and the power of collective action, the project has already transformed the lives of 18 deserving beneficiaries in just a few months of 2023.
Success Story: Bandile's Journey:
One of the remarkable stories of transformation involves Bandile, a 13-year-old with Cerebral Palsy. Thanks to a national and international collaboration that spanned seven months, we were able to collect the necessary funds to provide Bandile with a specially fitted wheelchair. Bandile, an inspiring young man with a passion for soccer and dreams of becoming a computer technician, can now experience the joy of moving around freely. His new wheelchair grants him the independence and freedom he deserves, both at school and at home. This incredible achievement was made possible through the generous donations of individuals like you.
The Need for Wheelchairs:
In South Africa's Eastern Cape alone, over 5,000 individuals are waiting for wheelchairs, highlighting the pressing need for accessibility devices throughout the country. The lack of mobility options has caused immense suffering for patients and their families. While the foundation's impact is limited to the funds received, we remain committed to changing lives one beneficiary at a time. Each wheelchair is carefully selected and tailored to meet the unique requirements of the recipient, ensuring a personalized and empowering experience.
Sharing Stories of Transformation:
We are thrilled to share the incredible impact your donations of plastic bottle tops and bread tags have had on the lives of those in need, particularly individuals who rely on wheelchairs for their mobility. In our latest newsletter, you can find heartwarming updates, success stories, and inspiring accounts of individuals who have experienced life-changing transformations. To access the newsletter online, please visit the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yD20tuD_VjoFG8ig2VjrfuGPdB1A7W5_?usp=sharing
Stay Connected and Get Involved:
For those who are active on social media, we encourage you to like and follow our Facebook Page and Instagram account. By doing so, you can stay updated on the latest news and events related to The Sweethearts Foundation. Additionally, we invite you to watch our award-winning Sweethearts video, which effectively captures the essence of our cause. It's a crowd-pleaser that will surely inspire more people to get involved and make a difference.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetheartsfoundation/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_sweethearts_foundation/
Sweethearts Video: https://www.youtube.com/@thesweetheartsfoundation4774
Never Miss Out on Updates:
To ensure you don't miss future newsletters and opportunities to support our cause, we invite you to sign up for our mailing list using the following link: http://eepurl.com/8NtoP .By staying connected, you become an essential part of our ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive society for disabled individuals in South Africa.
Conclusion:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, dear Sweethearts. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of disabled South Africans, one wheelchair at a time. With your continued involvement, we can continue to spread love, empower individuals, and foster a more earth-friendly environment. Thank you for being an invaluable part of our mission.
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Hello friends and fellow Sweethearts,
t has been a busy and exciting season filled with change and growth. We would like to extend our sincerest apologies for not being in touch with you lately.
We are thrilled to share with you the ongoing success of our mission to provide the Gift of Movement to those in need. The outpouring of support from our generous and passionate supporters has been truly heartwarming. From those who have a shopping bag full of #Tops&Tags to those who have entire garages overflowing with them, every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference.
With 30 individuals currently on our waiting list for wheelchairs and new requests pouring in, we have much work to do. The cost per wheelchair ranges from ZAR3,500 to ZAR60,000, and we are grateful for every effort made to reach our goal.
In 2022, we celebrated the festive season a bit differently due to the capacity of our dedicated volunteers, but we were still able to hand over 28 wheelchairs and change 28 lives. We are now working hard to help Bandile receive his wheels, and we are 49.5% towards our targeted amount.
On February 14th, 2023, we will be celebrating a decade since our first wheelchair donation. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of our special volunteers. We have also applied to be recognized as a Public Beneficiary Organization by the South African Revenue Services, and we are eagerly anticipating Mandela Month in July 2023, when all South Africans come together to pledge their 67 minutes to help those in need.
Your support is invaluable, and we could not have achieved our success without you. We are thankful for your continued generosity and commitment to giving the Gift of Movement. Thank you for helping those who cannot help themselves.
Dear sweetheart,
It has been a while since we updated you on our project to help gift differently-abled South Africans a wheelchair. If you didn't already know The sweethearts Foundation is 100% volunteer-based and everything that has been achieved over the past year is thanks to volunteers who have taken it upon themselves to use their valuable time and resources to help those less fortunate. Helping give the gift of movement is not such an easy feat, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes but we continue to push on because the needs are dire for many of our beneficiaries. On top of this COVID has made it difficult for many volunteers to continue assisting as much as they would like to - we all have life, work, and family commitments - but we persevered and over the last year we were able to help another 43 beneficiaries (and counting) and change their lives! All through your kind donations and the money we raise in recycling Tops and Tags. Just see the joy in young Rethabile's face!
Just this week, Priscilla was over the moon when she received her brand-new wheelchair. "There it is brand new from the box! I don't believe this is happening I was yauning (yearning) for the wheelchair no wheelbarrow will take me now." Using a wheelbarrow or some other makeshift trolley is the sad reality that many of our beneficiaries have to face in their daily lives and the reason why we continue to do everything we can to change that.
So please, continue supporting us and helping gift disabled South Africans a wheelchair. They need our help.
Yours in wheels,
Leigh
It's been a while since we last sent out a report, and for that, we truly apologize! While we've been quiet in updating you, we have been busy with doing what we love the most, helping those who need our help the most!
Its 2020, and we've got big things coming up in the year! For now, let's take a look at what has happened over the last couple of months!
October and November 2019 were very busy months for the foundation. We geared up for our annual 12 Days of Christmas Wheelchairs fundraiser in which we highlight beneficiaries who are in desperate need of wheelchairs. The goal of the 12 days is to fundraise enough for all beneficiaries and in 2019, we hit the highest amount donated ever!
We received over R 100 000.00 in funds which will all be used to help our beneficiaries!
During our Christmas Campaign, we raised funds for Lanne, Jolette, Karabo, and Ofentse! We have one remaining beneficiary, Dannette, who we are still raising funds for!
The support and response we received during this fundraiser was incredible, and we give thanks to each and every donor who donated small and large amounts towards each beneficiary. Without your help, we would not be able to provide the Gift of Movement to our wonderful beneficaries!
Wishing all our donors and supporters a prosperous New Year! Thank you for everything you continue to do for us!
With love,
The sweethearts Foundation
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No matter the size of a contribution, every little bit goes a long way in helping someone receive the Gift of Movement.
We have so many sweethearts who say "I have a shopping bag of #Tops&Tags" and even more who say "my garage is full, come help us". The feeling is the same when hearing from both types of sweethearts, excitement. People must think we are weird, getting excited about trash and plastic. But, as every sweetheart will know, we're not crazy, we're just passionate!
It's been a busy few months since our last report, but the good news continues to spread!
We’ve been inundated with emails, calls and messages of passionate sweethearts who are as excited and happy as Peter (Pictured) to handover their #Tops&Tags. As always, it doesn’t matter how many you collect, as long as you are collecting!
We celebrated Mandela Month 2019 in the month of July. It’s our most favorite time of the year, where all South African’s rally together to pledge their 67 minutes to helping someone in need, be it an individual or a charity.
Welekazi, Ndkeka and Nomgambula all received their much needed wheelchairs with the help of our friends at Rotary Sunrise of Port Elizabeth in Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Now, the next story might be a bit of a tear-jerker, so grab a tissue just in case! To end off our #MandelaMonth initiative, we handed over three much-needed wheelchairs to three young beneficiaries. These wheelchairs are particularly special and has quite a back story. A wonderful lady named Ncumisa Sam volunteered in on a settlement in Vosloorus. While delivering food parcels to the families, she met Bongiwe and became aware of her needs.
The sweethearts Foundation work according to a Wheelchair Waiting List, and by the time we reached Bongiwe on our list, we tried to make contact with Ncumisa, but sadly found out that she has passed away. Before she passed away, she had registered two more beneificiaries, Thulisile and Anele. We were given the opportunity to honor Ncumisa, her charity work and finally fulfill her wish to help these three wonderful beneficiaries.
These wheelchairs would not have been possible without the support and help of a few of our special volunteers. First, to the Johannesburg Mini Council, whose tireless efforts do not go unnoticed. To Jessica and Yvonne, our JHB Manager and Beneficiary and Wheelchair Manager who sorted out all the logistics and arrangements. To Bronson, our champion, for running all his KMs every single month and introducing The sweethearts Foundation to Ningiza Horner & Associates and for their donation of R20000.00. To our trusted wheelchair specialists and manufacturers, Kat and CE Mobility - The wheelchair and seating specialists, a sweethearty thank you.
And last, but not least, to our beloved Ncumisa. May you rest easy knowing your wish came true
Please continue to support our worthy foundation. Without you, all our success would not be possible. We thrive because you continue to give, and for that, we can’t be more thankful. Continue to help those who can’t help themselves. Continue to give the Gift of Movement!
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